San Jose officials have retreated from a threatened fine of up to $20,000 per day against Lighthouse Food Rescue & Distribution, a nonprofit food pantry that provides groceries to more than 1,000 people daily, after the city faced a wave of public criticism over the enforcement action.
The pantry, run by Pastor Ralph Olmos, received a citation on Sept. 25 ordering it to remove its sidewalk food distribution operation and canopies within 10 days, citing zoning violations and blocked sidewalks. The citation also directed Lighthouse to cease operations entirely at its longtime location near East Julian and North 17th streets within 60 days.
Olmos told Fox News Digital he doubts the pantry can remain at that site despite the city’s shift in tone.
“I can tell you that this is definitely not my first rodeo with the City,” Olmos said. “But from being called a Beacon of hope, to get out or we will fine you. There really doesn’t seem any way that the Lighthouse stays on 17th street.”
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and Councilmember Anthony Tordillos, whose district includes the pantry, told Fox News Digital the city is working to find Lighthouse a new location while also addressing sidewalk access for nearby residents who are elderly or disabled.
“Two things can be true at once – and they are in this case. Lighthouse is doing incredible work in the community and their neighbors deserve to be able to use the sidewalk,” the officials said in a joint statement. “We’ve been working with our Housing Department and Code Compliance Team to find a place where the pastor can relocate and continue serving the community while ensuring that the mobility issues in the neighborhood are addressed so that elderly and disabled residents can get where they need to go.”
The officials also pushed back on characterizations of the enforcement action, saying no fines were ever actually imposed.
“No fines have been assessed – in fact, the City has offered to help with relocation costs because we are committed to finding a solution that is not punitive but creates a better situation for everyone involved,” Mahan and Tordillos said.
The city’s reversal followed a San Jose Spotlight report detailing the original citation and its threat of fines reaching $20,000 per day. Before the city’s change in posture, Olmos had described the dilemma he faced in trying to comply.
“I’m up against the wall. It’s almost like (the city is) telling me to stop. But my conviction says, ‘How can I leave the people?'” Olmos told San Jose Spotlight.
Lighthouse distributes groceries five days a week — including milk, meat, eggs and specialized food packages — to families, seniors, homeless residents and people with disabilities.
Mahan also addressed the matter on Instagram, crediting public pressure for the city’s response.
“Seeing the outpouring of advocacy and support for [Light House Food Rescue] has been amazing — and I’m right there with you. Pastor Olmos has been doing incredible work in our community and we’re going to make sure that work can continue. My team, alongside our Housing Department, has been in touch with the Pastor over the past week to help them relocate to a location that works for them, the people they serve and their neighbors. The city may even be able to help them with moving costs. Stay tuned!” he wrote.
A recurring clash with the city
This is not the first time Lighthouse has run into municipal obstacles. In 2022, the nonprofit faced a special use permit requirement that could have cost up to $15,500. After community backlash, then-Mayor Sam Liccardo and Councilmember Raul Peralez proposed waiving or funding the fees, and the City Council later voted unanimously to support relief for food pantries, according to San Jose Spotlight.
That same year, the city officially honored Lighthouse through its Silicon Valley Strong Heroes initiative, recognizing Olmos and his volunteers for feeding vulnerable residents during the pandemic.
City Planning, Building and Code Enforcement spokesperson Marika Krause told San Jose Spotlight that zoning rules have since changed, and a special use permit is no longer available for the pantry’s current operations. The city has not publicly confirmed a finalized relocation site, nor whether the original 60-day shutdown order has been formally rescinded.
